New Mexico DA wins Democrat primary after prosecuting Alec Baldwin in fatal Rust shooting

New Mexico DA who prosecuted Alec Baldwin in "Rust" shooting case wins primary, setting up general election showdown.

The New Mexico district attorney, Mary Carmack-Altwies, who prosecuted Alec Baldwin in the 2021 fatal movie-set shooting, has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary against her challenger, Marco Serna. With 62% of the vote, Carmack-Altwies secured her spot in the November general election, representing New Mexico's First Judicial District.

Carmack-Altwies, a liberal district attorney, made headlines when she withdrew from the "Rust" shooting case three months before the trial, appointing special prosecutors Kari Morrissey and Jason Lewis to take over. She cited the need to focus on broader public safety needs in the district as her reason for stepping aside from the high-profile case.

In a statement following her primary win, Carmack-Altwies expressed gratitude for the trust of the voters in JD1 and highlighted her efforts to professionalize the district attorney's office and bring justice and safety to the community. Despite facing criticism and scrutiny over her handling of the Baldwin case, Carmack-Altwies remains committed to serving the people of the First Judicial District.

The "Rust" shooting incident, which resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injury to director Joel Souza, has been a focal point of legal proceedings and media attention. Baldwin, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January 2022, continues to maintain his innocence, claiming he did not pull the trigger of the gun that caused the fatal shooting.

Prosecutors dropped the firearms enhancement charge against Baldwin in February 2023, a move that was filed by Carmack-Altwies herself. The legal battle surrounding the "Rust" case is ongoing, with Baldwin's trial scheduled to take place in the coming months.

As the drama unfolds in the courtroom, the political landscape in New Mexico's First Judicial District remains dynamic, with Carmack-Altwies securing her position as the district attorney and preparing to face new challenges in the pursuit of justice and public safety. The outcome of the November general election will determine the future direction of the district and the handling of high-profile cases like the "Rust" shooting.

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